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Preserving Poland’s Jewish Heritage

Thursday, November 16
12:00pm Pacific Time | 3:00pm Eastern Time
Event Details
Explore collaborative efforts in cemetery restoration and cultural stewardship with Dr. Steven D. Reece

Engage in conversation with Fullbright Scholar and founder of The Matzevah Foundation Dr. Steven D. Reece and AJU’s Michael Berenbaum as they delve into the important work of preserving Poland’s Jewish heritage. Learn how this multifaith cooperation addresses fading Jewish cultural spaces, preserves memory, and sparks connection between Poland’s Jewish community, the diaspora, and locals.

Cost: Free
Guest: Dr. Steven D. Reece

Dr. Steven D. Reece, a 2022-2023 Fulbright Scholar in Poland, taught and researched at the University of Szczecin’s Institute of History. His Fulbright Project focused on a cross-cultural, diplomatic approach to preserve Poland’s Jewish heritage post-Shoah, exploring stakeholder engagement for Polish-Jewish cemetery restoration, promoting understanding in Jewish-Christian relations. As Adjunct Faculty at Andrews University, he instructs in the Leadership Department. He founded The Matzevah Foundation in 2010, leading volunteers to restore Polish Jewish cemeteries, fostering remembrance, honoring heritage, and bridging communities. Dr. Reece advises the European Jewish Cemeteries Advisory Network and holds Holocaust education certification from Yad Vashem and Tel Aviv University. An ex-photojournalist ordained Baptist minister, and Andrews University Ph.D. graduate, he’s devoted to leadership and cultural preservation.

Host: Michael Berenbaum

Michael Berenbaum is a Professor of Jewish Studies and Director of the Sigi Ziering Institute at the American Jewish University. He is a writer, a scholar and a creator of Museums. His work has been recognized by the Emmys and Academy Awards.